The African Forest Forum (AFF) Secretariat has ushered in a new era under the stewardship of Prof. Labode Popoola, who assumes the role of Executive Secretary-CEO, effective October 1st, 2023.

Prof. Popoola succeeds the venerable Prof. Godwin Kowero, who, since 2007, has been the guiding force behind the AFF's remarkable journey which commenced with a solitary staff member into an organization with ten dedicated professionals.

Stepping into the role of Executive Secretary, Prof. Popoola brings a wealth of experience garnered over two decades of senior management roles across diverse African institutions.

Armed with a Ph.D. in Forest Economics from the University of Ibadan, his academic voyage has encompassed every facet of the university hierarchy, from undergraduate programme coordination to the esteemed position of Vice-Chancellor.

The scientific wing of AFF, bolstered by six experts, collaborates with four technical specialists achieved through Prof. Kowero's leadership, has fostered AFF's substantial impact in the realm of African forestry.

In a statement issued by AFF, on Wednesday, the AFF Secretariat extended its profound gratitude to Prof. Godwin Kowero for his unwavering dedication, erudition, and enduring contributions to the institution's growth and stature.

The statement indicated that Prof. Popoola's distinguished career boasts leadership in internationally funded research projects, amassing over US$4 million, including a notable US4900,000.00 grant from the MacArthur Foundation, instrumental in establishing the Master's in Development Practice (MDP) Programme.

According to the statement, his involvement in the US$1.75 million Japanese Trust Fund (JTF) Grant for Education for Sustainable Development in Africa (ESDA) further underscores Prof Popoola's commitment to sustainable development.

Prof Popoola's multifaceted career is interwoven with an impressive tapestry of professional associations and networks, including the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), the African Network for Agroforestry Education (ANAFE), and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), among numerous others.

His illustrious roles within these entities reflect his profound commitment to advancing forestry and sustainable development.

Prof. Popoola's legacy extends to mentoring 28 PhD candidates and overseeing numerous M.Sc. and B.Sc. projects. Sixteen of his mentees have ascended to the rank of professor. His prolific academic contributions have spawned over 170 publications, including a patent, solidifying his stature as a thought leader in forestry and sustainable development.

Prof Popoola's accomplishments have earned him several awards, including recognition from the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry and the Forestry Association of Nigeria.

His service to science, research, and community development was recognized with the Osun State Government Merit Award for Excellence. Notably, he received an Award of Excellence from the same government for his pivotal role in establishing Osun State University as a financially self-sustaining institution.

He is expected to advance the relevance and contribution of forests and trees to Africa's people and environment as the global community eagerly awaits the unfolding chapters of his tenure.

AFF statement announcing the new leadership said, his guidance is poised to be a beacon of innovation, advocacy, and transformative change in the sphere of African forestry.

AFF is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and its mission is to combine science, indigenous knowledge, and experience to advocate for improving the relevance of forests and trees outside of forests to people's livelihoods, national economies, and environmental stability.